A BID to raise the legal age for marriage in England and Wales from 16 to 18 has been opposed by the Government in the Lords.

The Government has opposed a bid to raise the legal age for marriage from 16 to 18

Independent Liberal Democrat Baroness Tonge warned that marriage before adulthood was a global phenomenon that was particularly damaging for young girls, who lose out on education and opportunities.

In a debate on her Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Bill, she said there were many "horrendous stories" of child marriages. Most of them were "forced marriages," which had been made illegal in Britain two years ago.

"At 16 I would have married Richard Burton given half the chance. Fortunately for me the offer never came."

Is it really wise to be married at 16 with or without consent?

Baroness Tonge

For the Government, Baroness Goldie said the UK was a world leader in tackling forced marriage.

In England and Wales the number of people marrying at 16 or 17 was small and continuing to decrease, with just 210 recorded in 2013.

The minimum age for marriage had not changed since 1929 and required parental consent under 18.

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For the Government, Baroness Goldie said the UK was a world leader in tackling forced marriage

The Government believed this existing requirement continued to provide "adequate protection" and had seen no evidence of any failing that required raising the minimum age to 18.

Lady Goldie said: "Raising the minimum age would introduce a disparity with the age of sexual consent across the UK."

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The minimum age for marriage had not changed since 1929 and required parental consent under 18

The Government was doing all it could to protect victims of the "abhorrent crime" of forced marriage but ministers did not see sufficient evidence that the Bill would be effective in preventing abuse, bringing perpetrators to justice or offering additional protection.

The Bill was given an unopposed second reading but stands little chance of becoming law without government consent.